Cassiano Zaparoli / Refugio CaimanISTOCKPHOTO.COMCASSIANO ZAPAROLIIguaçú FallsBOLIVIAPARAGUAYSalvador.Campo GrandePANTANALBRAZIL..Rio de JaneiroCuiabá..Morro de São PauloPantanal adventure and the north east 17 days, 14 nightsRio de Janeiro 3 nights, Iguaçú Falls 2n, Pantanal 3n, Salvador 3n, Morro de São Paulo (standard) or Praia do Forte (superior) 3n.Day 1 Overnight departure to Rio from the UK. Days 2-4 At leisure in Rio de Janeiro, with excursions by jeep to Corcovado Mountain (Christ the Redeemer's statue) and the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Days 5&6 Fly to Foz do Iguaçú and explore Iguaçú Falls, with an excursion to the Argentinean side. Days 7-9 Fly to Cuiabá (or Campo Grande) and continue by road to your Pantanal lodge. There will be a variety of excursions (all included), departing morning and evening, for you to enjoy wildlife observation. At the lodge itself you can while away your time in a hammock or lazing around the pool. Days 10-12 Fly to Salvador da Bahía (p82), guided tour of this atmospheric colonial city with an intoxicating blend of Portuguese and African (slave) cultures. Days 13-15 Head for Morro de São Paulo (p82), a small beach/village community reached by ferry or light aircraft. There are four beaches, the busiest with live music and restaurants, the most distant natural and palm-fringed. (Superior?Praia do Forte Eco-resort, see p82). Day 16 Transfer to Salvador airport and fly to the UK arriving day 17. Prices from £2,794pp (standard) and £4,093pp (superior) based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Regular departures from the UK 020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 85 refugio caiman For many years one of our favourite lodges, the Refúgio Caiman in the southern Pantanal (access is via Campo Grande) continues to offer a superlative experience. It's the best-appointed of all the lodges in the region, with private facilities and air-conditioning, and has a well-structured programme of excursions of all types. You could be canoeing down a creek shaded by tropical trees laden with blossom, monkeys swinging playfully from branch to branch and parakeets squawking overhead. Your ride across a dusty trail could be interrupted by the progress of a giant anaconda or bulky anteater; your night safari illuminated by the moon and stars of an unpolluted night sky. There are friendly guides, a sociable atmosphere and you can cool off at midday in the pool. Below Dusk is an optimum time to view wildlife in the Pantanal.

NATURE SAFARISistockphoto.comWilderness stays and expeditionsAmazonas and the remote northIf you are after a rainforest experience, whereyou can absorb the sights and sounds of thejungle, with guided forays on foot along narrowtrails or by canoe into the creeks and lagoons,then a few days in Amazônia are right for you. Stay at one of the many lodges accessible from Manaus, such as Amazon Village, Amazon Lodge (below) or Anavilhanas Lodge, or cruise along the river in a traditional 3 storey river cruiser, (MV Tucano). The far north is a beguiling region, yet hardly touched by tourism. Beyond the port of São Luis there is a surreal landscape of sand dunes interspersed with lagoons. For something really different, you could spend a week here. Start off in São Luis, its colonial art nouveau buildings decorated with European ceramic tiles. Just beyond is the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, explore its endless expanse of dunes by jeep. Travel along the Preguiças river then venture into the mangrove-rich Parnaíba delta by boat. The bird-filled islets support traditional fishing communities. Wind up with a drive along the wild coastline to the relaxed resort of Jericoacoara.86 Brazil The Amazon Lodge was incredible. I was amazed at how spotless and well maintained it was, the food was brilliant and all the staff and guides and cooks were incredibly knowledgeable, helpful and made it a wonderful stay. SD, ManchesterThe Amazon: we offer a range of lodges, cruises and expeditions to suit your sense of adventure.Below The Amazon Lodge floats on the Mamori River just south of the River Amazon: an idyllic setting.